LONDON, (DNA) – Police have been deployed in the wake of Wednesday’s catapult attacks on two Birmingham mosques.

Masjid Qamarul Islam on Fosbrooke Road and Al-Hijrah Mosque on Hob Moor Road were both attacked 20 minutes apart. The mosques were hit by ball bearings which police believe came from a heavy-duty catapult.

West Midlands police said the motive for the attacks was unclear. Armed personnel have been deployed and a patrol set up to reassure residents and worshippers. A statement on the force’s website read, “the attacks are being treated as hate crimes and are thought to be linked at this stage.”

Nassar Mahmood, a trustee of Birmingham Central mosque, said “we would ask you to be cautious of apportioning blame to the Muslim community. We are shocked and saddened by this just the same as everybody else.” He said Muslims were experiencing unprecedented levels of Islamophobia.

A man was arrested earlier on Tuesday in connection with the recent Parliament attack targetting cyclists. Birmingham-resident Salih Khater was arrested after a vehicle rammed into cyclists and pedestrians before crashing into a barrier.